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2021 TLX Type S: Panel gaps/misalignment and wind noise
Recently took delivery of a new 2021 TLX Type S in Tiger Eye. However, later that day in the garage, noticed large panel gaps and misalignment with window trim, particularly on the driver's side. Almost as if QC was missed on that side. The passenger side is much better overall. Brought it in to my dealer to look at, and was told by the service manager that the service shop doesn't do body work and that the gaps, while admittedly large, are considered acceptable by factory standards. Photos below:
Driver's Side Rear Door Driver's Side Window Trim Rear Door and C pillar Driver's Side Trunk Driver's Side HoodHas anyone else encountered this? Any options/ideas to get this fixed?
Also, there seems to be significantly more wind noise while driving at higher speeds than compared to a Nissan Altima or Honda Accord. Anyone else having something similar?
I had similar issues with my 2019 RDX - the lift gate was completely misaligned and I didn’t notice it because I took delivery in the evening and it was dark already. When I discovered how the lift gate wasn’t actually installed perfectly straight (the gap was narrower on the top left and wider at the bottom right) I was amazed that it would even open and close properly.
Of course I complained about it (and other things I noticed such as dents in the bodywork, etc) and although their answer was the same as what you got from your dealership, that they don’t do bodywork, they immediately arranged to send the car to an independent body shop to fix it.
If I were you, I’d insist they do the same. There’s no way in hell that those gaps you showed in your photos are “acceptable”.
I’ve noticed those gaps in some of the Type S models I’ve seen at dealerships. There appears to be alignment issues with the trunk lid and passenger side rear door. I’d suggest that anyone taking delivery choose a well lit interior area and closely inspect all panel gaps. If you’re not satisfied refuse to take delivery. Acura is not going to correct the problem until it starts to cost them.
Recently took delivery of a new 2021 TLX Type S in Tiger Eye. However, later that day in the garage, noticed large panel gaps and misalignment with window trim, particularly on the driver's side. Almost as if QC was missed on that side. The passenger side is much better overall. Brought it in to my dealer to look at, and was told by the service manager that the service shop doesn't do body work and that the gaps, while admittedly large, are considered acceptable by factory standards. Photos below:
Also, there seems to be significantly more wind noise while driving at higher speeds than compared to a Nissan Altima or Honda Accord. Anyone else having something similar?
Conspiracy Theory. No way those gaps would pass QA at the end of the line unless the techs were Zombies. Wonder it the car was damaged in shipment & poorly repaired. Personally would not even accept that car from a cut rate body shop.
Think you need to go past the dealer & get Acura USA involved.
I didn't notice the gap until this thread came up. It seems that the gap on my driver side rear is bigger than my passenger rear. I also noticed a faint whirring noise coming from the driver rear when I drive at 25+ mph. Didn't hear this before since I usually play music while driving and it was louder than the noise.
I let my dealership know, but since it's a longer drive away than I'd like, I'll have to find some time to go in. I asked to see if I could go to the dealer closest to me instead, but was told that there would be a chance of out-of-pocket costs.
After more than a year in production, has Acura not fixed this gaping issue on the latest TLX sedans ? Or the gaping issue appears on the older production runs only ?
These were the body gaps on my 20210 TLX Tech. The dealership sent the car to their preferred body shop which fixed the problems to my satisfaction. But I wouldn't expect such shoddy QA on the cheapest of cars. Whoever did this or inspected it should have been fired.
11-11-2021, 08:12 AM
